OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the efficacy of vapreotide versus placebo in reducing postoperative pancreatic complications in patients undergoing elective pancreatic resection. II. Compare the postoperative complications occurring within 45 days after surgery unrelated to the pancreas, days of hospitalization and survival at 45 days after surgery, number of rehospitalizations, and number of postoperative blood units or packed red blood cells administered in patients treated with these regimens.